Photonic crystal waveguides and medical treatment systems containing the same

Abstract

In general, in one aspect, the invention features systems, including a photonic crystal fiber including a core extending along a waveguide axis and a dielectric confinement region surrounding the core, the dielectric confinement region being configured to guide radiation along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the photonic crystal fiber. The systems also includes a handpiece attached to the photonic crystal fiber, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications [0002] This application claims Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 560458, filed April 8, 2004, entitled "PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER APPLICATIONS," under 35 USC § 119(e)(l); 2004 The provisional patent application No. 60 / 561020 filed on April 9, 2004, entitled "PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER APPLICATIONS"; the provisional patent application No. 60 / 584098 filed on June 30, 2004, Patent application entitled "PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER APPLICATIONS"; Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 628462, filed November 16, 2004, entitled "PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER APPLICATIONS" Application; Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 640536, filed December 30, 2004, entitled "CO 2 OMNIGUIDE PHOTONIC BANDGAP FIBERS FOR FLEXIBLEDELIVERY OF CO 2 LASERS IN LARYNGOLOGY), and Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 658,531, filed March 4, 2005, entitled "PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER." All provisional patent applications listed above The contents of are hereby incorporated by...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional optical fibers are generally unsuitable for applications utilizing high-power laser radiation with relatively long wavelengths

Images